Wanted Opinion Poll - So many to choose from

Hey gang, new to the Mud Forum. I've been doing a lot of reading about these machines, not sure if I've read too much and scared myself away but seriously re-considering my options. Was thinking of a 4th Gen 4Runner, but feel like it may be too small for my family of 4 + 70lb lab.

So back to the LC or LX 470?

It will be my daily driver in and out of San Francisco, 70mile roundtrip.

Pros 4Runner: Fuel economy, more City-friendly, nimble, can still hold gear.

Cons 4Runner: Feels "small," car seats are a tough fit

Pros LC/LX: Comfort, room, can hold more stuff and gear

Cons LC/LX: Fuel Economy, expensive tune-ups and parts repair (I'm no mechanic)


So everyone has different needs, those are mine. I know its a very broad question with many variables.

Input appreciated. I know a lot depends on older rigs such as I've read about the PHH, Head Gasket, Birfield Joints, Cooling systems.....

Taking that into account for price negotiation and I'm trying to keep it close to $10k.
Feedback on the following local listings is appreciated:

1) http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/cto/4293980546.html

2) http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/cto/4310609906.html

3) http://sacramento.craigslist.org/cto/4306377788.html

4) http://sacramento.craigslist.org/cto/4302669346.html

I'm not going to list them all but....

 

[Trapper50cal]

Well, first off...the common problems you listed relate more to the series before the LC 100/LX 470. They are issues more associated with the LC fzj80/LX 450.

Problems associated with the LC 100/LX 470 tend to be:

Timing belt / water pump

CV Joints

Front 2-Pinion vs. 4-Pinion differentials

AHC failures/bypasses

Rear locker vs. ATRAC

4spd Auto vs. 5spd Auto trannys

READ:
http://www.sleeoffroad.com/newbie/newbieUZJ100.htm

 

[phishtaco]

The 4th gen v8 T4R and the 100 series have same engine. The mpg is much different, imo. The maintenance issues are about the same also. Get the 100.
Signed 4runner owner

 

[JOFS]

Get the 100 series

You can actually use the third row

The 4runner is small.

Nice truck but I have a family of 4 and a lab and we need a roof box for trips


I have had 4runners as well and now with the family find they won't work for me

 

[ryanc2]

Nice truck but I have a family of 4 and a lab and we need a roof box for trips

Same thing here and looking at boxes. What do you have? *Sorry - not trying to hijack the OP's thread *

I'd go with a 100 series as well. I think you'll regret it in the long run if you don't.

I would look at car #2 in your list. Good luck.

 

[JOFS]

I have a Yakima I found on craigslist.

Not ideal as I used to have a big old Yakima rocket box that a buddy borrowed and then drove the truck into his garage and sheared the box off

I like the old ones better

 

[chitown40]

I had a 100 series as a daily driver commuter, and the mileage, well, just sucked.

It was big and comfortable, a bear to park in an urban environment, and I felt like an a****** commuting daily in a 6/7 empty truck getting 11MPG in the city.

So, I bought a V6 4Runner. I have a family of 4, with two car seats. It is not as roomy as the hundy, but it works. When we traveling far, we take the Honda Odyssey. If I had to do it again I would still get the 4Runner. The hundy is VERY nice, but for the amount of driving I do alone, the 4Runner is a better fit for me.

A NICE car top box can be had with the gas savings over a month or two.